Consultancy: Writer - HIV/AIDS Section, PD - NYHQ, Requisition# 510102

UNICEF seeks an experienced writer (consultant) with excellent skills in science and advocacy publications. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience in developing evidence-based advocacy publications that are compelling and reader-friendly. Current experience in HIV and AIDS internationally is highly desirable.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

Purpose

UNICEF seeks an experienced writer (consultant) with excellent skills in science and advocacy publications. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience in developing evidence-based advocacy publications that are compelling and reader-friendly. Current experience in HIV and AIDS internationally is highly desirable.

Background & Rationale

The HIV/AIDS Section is seeking a consultant writer to support the team in the drafting of various high-visibility products throughout 2018. These products are intended for purposes of UNICEF advocacy on behalf of children and adolescents in the context of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Products include the following:

1. UNICEF Annual Results Report: A communication and public advocacy tool reporting on results for children achieved by UNICEF with its partners in development and humanitarian spheres. The report highlights HIV/AIDS programme achievements within a calendar year, in consideration of the impact of global developments and placing successes within the context of UNICEF’s role as a member of the United Nations System. The report covering 2017 will focus on the impact of UNICEF’s HIV-related programmes and partnerships across the two decades of a child’s life. It will use a combination of reporting on facts and figures about UNICEF activities and storytelling about individual children, families and communities reached by those activities.
2. Global report on children and AIDS – for launch at the AIDS 2018 conference (in Amsterdam, 23-27 July 2018): The report will focus on themes related to children and HIV/AIDS. We are proposing to develop each theme with an editorial piece (essay) signed by a partner and key data in support of the theme. These editorial pieces will provide the narrative from the past three decades and a vision for an AIDS-free generation. The consultant writer will draft, redraft or edit the pieces and draft the text accompanying the data charts and tables.
3. Misc. writing assignments: The consultant will provide support for writing a range of HIV/AIDS-related content for up to 15 days within the contract period (i.e., for speechwriting, donor reporting/writing of donor reports, drafting of fundraising materials, providing written inputs to other reports and products, etc.).

Expected results

In consultation with the section and the supervisor, and based on the evidence and inputs provided by the section, the consultant will provide the following: (1) up to three versions of outline, and (2) up to three versions of written draft. Outline and drafts will be circulated by the section for peer review and comments; the consultant will incorporate the comments into the subsequent draft version. Third version will be considered final. With the section and the supervisor, the consultant will establish a process and a timeline for obtaining and incorporating comments to the drafts and finalizing the drafts in close collaboration with the technical and advocacy teams. The consultant is expected to produce drafts that are scientifically and technically accurate, have strong advocacy appeal and reflect the views of UNICEF and contributing partners.  Work is expected to meet UNICEF publication standards (i.e., accurate, current, relevant) and be based in evidence; the consultant is expected to cite the sources of all factual statements using standard bibliographical format. The consultant is expected to deliver drafts of high quality and on time.

UNICEF will be responsible for the following: (1) Convening reference groups that will review the drafts (comprised of advocacy and technical experts within UNICEF and the UN); (2) Providing the consultant with country examples for elaboration, and access to the UNAIDS/UNICEF data sets; (3) Managing the drafts to final, approved, complete publication, including through stages of fact-checking, copy-editing, design and layout, image curation, production (for print and digital publishing), translation, printing and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that texts drafted are lively, clearly written and phrased in ways that engage their intended audiences.
• Incorporate information from a number of sources into the draft while maintaining a consistent writing style, tone of voice and balance.
• Follow relevant editorial style and standards.
• Uphold high standards of quality and professionalism.
• Regularly inform the supervisor of progress towards the deliverables, including any delays or issues that might affect timely completion of the work.

Duty Station

Remote-based 

Travel

None envisaged 

Timeframe

Start date:  1 February 2018                               

End date: 1 September 2018

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Deliverables

• On time delivery of assignments
• Accuracy
• Quality
• Attention to detail

 Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline

• First University Degree (Bachelor's) in relevant field including international development, public health, social sciences, political science, journalism and communications;
• At least 10 years’ experience as a writer with excellent science and advocacy writing skills;
• Experience in developing digital publications and advocacy communication materials;
• Good understanding of HIV and AIDS and children living with and affected by HIV and AIDS;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Excellent writing skills (experience in research and writing on gender and children will be considered a strong advantage); Excellent, clear and concise English writing skills and style.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.